PA Environment Regulations

Leo. Dept. home page. 2004. Lehigh University. 22 Apr. 2008
<http://www.leo.lehigh.edu/envirosci/enviroissue/lawsregs/statelaw.htm>.

There are many state regulations in PA that effect the environment. Some of which include:

• Clean Streams Law
• Air Pollution Control Act
• Hazardous Waste Cleanup Act
• Wild Resource Conservation Act
• Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act

• Clean Streams Law
• Enacted in 1937
• The main purpose of the Clean Streams Law is to give authority to Pennsylvania so it can protect its water from pollution and surface mining. The Clean Streams Law prohibits any kind of pollution (e.g. littering, dumping, etc). A fine of $10,000 could be the punishment for offenses.
• The Clean Streams Law is important to the environment because it promotes a clean environment and it is another step toward accomplishing just that.
• Air Pollution Control Act
• Enacted in 1959
• This law was made to protect both people and the environment from air pollutants.
• This law is important because it helps to keep humans healthy and the environment clean.
• Hazardous Waste Cleanup Act
• Enacted in 1988
• It was created to help finance the cleanup of toxic waste sites and it also strengthens standards for any new Hazardous waste facilities.
• This act is consequential because it helps to keep the environment clean.
• Wild Resource Conservation Act
• Enacted in 1982
• It was enacted to preserve both endangered plants and animals.
• This act is consequential because it helps to maintain the safety of organisms that are at risk of extinction.
• Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act
• Enacted in 1988
• The main concept of this act is centered around waste management. The Municipal Waste Planning Act was made to encourage composting. Its goal is to reduce waste and to recycle at least 25% of all the waste in PA.
• This is necessary because it helps to prevent pollution from the improper disposal of solid waste.